JAMES USHER
Private James Francis Usher 18642, The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 14th Bn. Served in Salonika, died of wounds 17/10/1916,aged 35. James is buried at Addolorata Cemetery in Malta, and remembered on the war memorial at St Anthony's church, Scotland road.
James was the husband of Jane Usher, of 77 Doncaster St, Scotland Rd.
James was the husband of Jane Usher, of 77 Doncaster St, Scotland Rd.
ROBERT WARREN
Private Robert Warren, 331289
2/9th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regt.
Born 1892, the son of Robert J. and Elizabeth Warren, of 97, Salop St., Kirkdale, Liverpool.
He enlisted at Liverpool during the last week of April, 1915 and was sent to Blackpool to join the 3/9th Battalion which was a training reserve unit, supplying reinforcements to the 1/9th Battalion which had gone out to France in March, 1915 and also to the 2/9th which were still in training in southern England. Robert would eventually be sent to the 2/9th Battalion but his time at Blackpool was quite eventful.
An article from "THE VETERAN", (June 1915):
"BRAVERY RECOGNISED"
On Wednesday of last week, at Weeton camp, where the 3/9th King's are now under training, Private R A Warren was presented with the bronze medal and a framed certificate of the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, for having at great personal risk rescued two children from a burning house.
The presentation was made by Brigadier-General J H Campbell, CVO, 3rd Line South Lancashire Infantry Brigade, in the presence of the officers and men of the 3rd line unit. Major G M McGloughlin in command. The general spoke in glowing terms of Private Warren's bravery, and said that the act for which the medal was awarded was the act of a true British soldier, the act of a man who sank all thought of himself in the face of the duty that lay nearest at hand. Private Warren was a credit to his regiment, and his comrades were proud to serve by his side.Private Warren lives in Salop Street, Walton, and has been a member of the 9th Kings for rather less than two months."
Enquiries made with the Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society revealed, from the Annual Report for 1915:
"Bronze Medal and Certificate of Thanks each to Walter Gosney and Private Warren, 9th K.R.B., and also 15s. and Certificate of Thanks to William Marriott, for rendering assistance in rescuing a woman and three children from a house on fire in Fulford Street on May 19th 1915."
The 2/9th King's left the UK for France in February, 1917.
Robert was with them from then until his death. on November 4th 1917 he is buried at Bedford House Ypres Belgium.
Before moving to Salop street the Warren family lived in Friar Street off Heyworth Street.
In July 2008 I was doing some family history research and discovered that my Grandfather had a brother that I had not heard of called Robert, I looked on the CWGC site and found that he had been killed in 1917.
In Aug 2008 I did a tour of the Town Hall in Liverpool and while in the Hall of Remberance found Robert’s name was on the wall, well this really threw me I felt that he had found us rather than us finding him. We made a decision on that day to visit his grave.
In May 2009 in preparation for the trip to Ypres I joined the Great War Forum for a few ideas’ of places to visit and a member Mr Ken Lee (an expert on the Kings Regiment) gave me all the information and photograph of my great uncle Robert, I was amazed at what I read and when I saw the photograph I cried, it was wonderful to put a face too the name.
On Wed June 10th 2009 as I stood at Roberts grave I shed more tears it was hard to believe that I was paying the respects of all my family for the ultimate sacrifice that Robert and countless others had made.
I was comforted to find that the four headstones next to Robert are also men from The Kings so like too think that these men would have been his friends so at least he is not alone. We laid poppies on all of the graves and will do the same again in July when we return.
Janet Armstrong the great niece of Robert Warren
2/9th Battalion, King's Liverpool Regt.
Born 1892, the son of Robert J. and Elizabeth Warren, of 97, Salop St., Kirkdale, Liverpool.
He enlisted at Liverpool during the last week of April, 1915 and was sent to Blackpool to join the 3/9th Battalion which was a training reserve unit, supplying reinforcements to the 1/9th Battalion which had gone out to France in March, 1915 and also to the 2/9th which were still in training in southern England. Robert would eventually be sent to the 2/9th Battalion but his time at Blackpool was quite eventful.
An article from "THE VETERAN", (June 1915):
"BRAVERY RECOGNISED"
On Wednesday of last week, at Weeton camp, where the 3/9th King's are now under training, Private R A Warren was presented with the bronze medal and a framed certificate of the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, for having at great personal risk rescued two children from a burning house.
The presentation was made by Brigadier-General J H Campbell, CVO, 3rd Line South Lancashire Infantry Brigade, in the presence of the officers and men of the 3rd line unit. Major G M McGloughlin in command. The general spoke in glowing terms of Private Warren's bravery, and said that the act for which the medal was awarded was the act of a true British soldier, the act of a man who sank all thought of himself in the face of the duty that lay nearest at hand. Private Warren was a credit to his regiment, and his comrades were proud to serve by his side.Private Warren lives in Salop Street, Walton, and has been a member of the 9th Kings for rather less than two months."
Enquiries made with the Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society revealed, from the Annual Report for 1915:
"Bronze Medal and Certificate of Thanks each to Walter Gosney and Private Warren, 9th K.R.B., and also 15s. and Certificate of Thanks to William Marriott, for rendering assistance in rescuing a woman and three children from a house on fire in Fulford Street on May 19th 1915."
The 2/9th King's left the UK for France in February, 1917.
Robert was with them from then until his death. on November 4th 1917 he is buried at Bedford House Ypres Belgium.
Before moving to Salop street the Warren family lived in Friar Street off Heyworth Street.
In July 2008 I was doing some family history research and discovered that my Grandfather had a brother that I had not heard of called Robert, I looked on the CWGC site and found that he had been killed in 1917.
In Aug 2008 I did a tour of the Town Hall in Liverpool and while in the Hall of Remberance found Robert’s name was on the wall, well this really threw me I felt that he had found us rather than us finding him. We made a decision on that day to visit his grave.
In May 2009 in preparation for the trip to Ypres I joined the Great War Forum for a few ideas’ of places to visit and a member Mr Ken Lee (an expert on the Kings Regiment) gave me all the information and photograph of my great uncle Robert, I was amazed at what I read and when I saw the photograph I cried, it was wonderful to put a face too the name.
On Wed June 10th 2009 as I stood at Roberts grave I shed more tears it was hard to believe that I was paying the respects of all my family for the ultimate sacrifice that Robert and countless others had made.
I was comforted to find that the four headstones next to Robert are also men from The Kings so like too think that these men would have been his friends so at least he is not alone. We laid poppies on all of the graves and will do the same again in July when we return.
Janet Armstrong the great niece of Robert Warren
WERNER BROTHERS
My Great-Grandfather Johann Werner who was born in Prussia, moved to Liverpool where he married Mary Ann Gough and they had 8 sons.Two of his sons were killed during the wars. Raoul Oscar Ernest Werner died of his wounds on Mar 30, 1921 and his brother Max Gerald Werner went down with the SS Avoceta on September 25, 1941. The family had resided at 12 Ellerslie Rd, Tue Brook, Liverpool during these years.
Raoul Oscar Ernest Werner had served through the Great war as Private 90714 with the Machine Gun Corps. There appears to be no records for him being discharged due to injury so we can only assume that he served until the war ended then was discharged back to civilian life. His medals card list his awards as the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. From this we can tell that Raoul served overseas after 1st January 1916. On 30 March 1921 he passed away aged 42, as he was given a CWGC entry his death would have been attributed to his service. Raoul is buried at Anfield Cemetery in Liverpool.
Raoul Oscar Ernest Werner had served through the Great war as Private 90714 with the Machine Gun Corps. There appears to be no records for him being discharged due to injury so we can only assume that he served until the war ended then was discharged back to civilian life. His medals card list his awards as the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. From this we can tell that Raoul served overseas after 1st January 1916. On 30 March 1921 he passed away aged 42, as he was given a CWGC entry his death would have been attributed to his service. Raoul is buried at Anfield Cemetery in Liverpool.
Raoul's Grave at Anfield Cemetery
Max Gerald Werner had served with the Merchant Navy. During WW2 he undertook many dangerous voyages to move supplies in and out of the country. Max was serving as a assistant Steward on the S.S AVOCETA which was loaded with a general cargo including mail and eighty-eight passengers, mainly women and children at Lisbon. Mostly European women, with their young children, who had married men of British Nationality. They had been stranded when German forces overran France and had made their way by various means into Spain and Portugal. However both these countries had refused to allow them to stay and arrangements had been made to ship them to Britain. The AVOCETA joined up with the Liverpool bound 25 ship Convoy HG-73, which departed Gibraltar on the 17th September 1941.
A German U-Boat has spotted the ship and sent messages to other subs within the area. On the night of 25 September, just North of the Azores, the passengers were woken by an explosion in the engine room that was caused by a torpedo from the German U-203. The ship sank quickly and in total 123 lives were lost, many the women and childrem who boarded at Lisbon. Max Werner was sadly among the victims of the crew, he was 56 years old. Max has no grave but is remembered on the Tower Hill Memorial in London.
Max Gerald Werner
Photograph above of Panal 13 of the Tower Hill Memorial. It shows members of the crew who died in the sinking of the S.S AVOCETA. Max is listed here.
The Tower Hill Memorial
Photography courtesy of The CWGC
Photography courtesy of The CWGC
https://sites.google.com/a/mercantilemarine.org/mercantile-marine/survivor-stories/ss-avo
Grahame Morris tells the story of the SS Avoceta and of how he survived the sinking.
Submitted by Susan Needham, Great Niece of Raoul and Max.
LAWRENCE WHITE
Private Lawrence White 13437, Canadian Infantry (Saskatchewan Regiment) 5th Bn.
Lawrence enlisted with the Canadian Army on 21 September 1914. He was 5 feet 9 3/4 inches tall and has a chest measurement of 38 1/2 inches. his eyes are Brown, hair dark and complexion sallow. Lawrence has two marks on his left arm, two scars on right and left knee and a scar on his right elbow. He gives his age as 23 years and 3 months, with his date of birth as 27 June 1891 and his birthplace Liverpool, England.
Lawrence is unmarried and gives his next of kin as his mother Mrs White of 239 43rd Street, Brooklyn, New York, USA. His occupation is a Clerk and he list that he had served before for 3 years with the 5.V.B Kings Liverpool Rifles. His form notes he is entered into the Canadian Infantry 5th battalion 2nd brigade.
Lawrence was wounded and went missing in action on 25 April 1915 presumed dead. A message in a local Liverpool paper read " His relatives have heard nothing of his fate. Mrs Heffey of 137 Limekiln lane, would be pleased if any of his comrades can give information as to wether he was taken prisoner "
Sadly Lawrence lost his life that day and is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium, and on the war memorial at St Anthony's church, Scotland road.
Lawrence enlisted with the Canadian Army on 21 September 1914. He was 5 feet 9 3/4 inches tall and has a chest measurement of 38 1/2 inches. his eyes are Brown, hair dark and complexion sallow. Lawrence has two marks on his left arm, two scars on right and left knee and a scar on his right elbow. He gives his age as 23 years and 3 months, with his date of birth as 27 June 1891 and his birthplace Liverpool, England.
Lawrence is unmarried and gives his next of kin as his mother Mrs White of 239 43rd Street, Brooklyn, New York, USA. His occupation is a Clerk and he list that he had served before for 3 years with the 5.V.B Kings Liverpool Rifles. His form notes he is entered into the Canadian Infantry 5th battalion 2nd brigade.
Lawrence was wounded and went missing in action on 25 April 1915 presumed dead. A message in a local Liverpool paper read " His relatives have heard nothing of his fate. Mrs Heffey of 137 Limekiln lane, would be pleased if any of his comrades can give information as to wether he was taken prisoner "
Sadly Lawrence lost his life that day and is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial in Belgium, and on the war memorial at St Anthony's church, Scotland road.
ISAAC WICKSTEAD
Private Isaac Wickstead, 18th Bn., The King’s(Liverpool Regiment ) Isaac was my husband’s uncle born in West Derby Liverpool and was employed as manager of the Everton branch office of the “ Echo “before he joined up for service in WW1.
He is Remembered with Honour on the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, where listed are the names of 54,409 men who died in Ypres and whose graves are not known.
A postcard sent home by Isaac. The photo below is on the reverse of the card. Isaac is pictured second from left back row. Isaac sent this post card to his parents shortly before his death at Ypres.
Liverpool Echo newspaper item noting that Isaac had gone missing in action.
When Isaac died his wife Bertha was left with three small boys which must have been devastating for her. Two of the boys tragically died as infants and Bertha was left with one son Harold Wickstead. After a few years Bertha married again and took her son to live in America and contact was gradually lost with this branch of the Wickstead Family .With some effort and a great deal of research I have tracted down the grand children and greatgrandchildren of Isaac Wickstead now living in Virginia U S A.. They have been so pleased to hear all I have been able to tell them about Isaac’s early life in Liverpool.
These brave men should never be forgotten.
On 6th September 2012 Isaac's name was added to the Hall of Remembrance at Liverpool's Town Hall.
Submitted by Elizabeth Wickstead.
These brave men should never be forgotten.
On 6th September 2012 Isaac's name was added to the Hall of Remembrance at Liverpool's Town Hall.
Submitted by Elizabeth Wickstead.
JIM WILBERFORCE
I remember one night being carried into next doors air raid shelter, ( we did have one but it was flooded at the time.) By my Mum, and I remember being frightened by the sound of the bombs and anti aircraft fire. We were not bombed as such, but when we came back to our house, a huge lump of concrete had crashed through the roof of the house, through the ceiling, and demolishing a bed in the process. Another lump of concrete had come through the living room window, demolishing half the windows and frame. This was caused by a bomb landing on the old Borax works in the next road to us, and behind Albany Road, Old Swan. After the war Littlewoods mail order built a depot there, it is now a nursing home.
I remember my sisters slapping leg tan on their legs, and drawing a line down the back of the legs with what I think was an eyebrow pencil. Never looked convincing to me though. And they used to get in a bit of a lather when the leg tan didn't go on evenly, and ended up patchy, they would have to start all over again.
Submitted by Jim Wilberforce
I remember my sisters slapping leg tan on their legs, and drawing a line down the back of the legs with what I think was an eyebrow pencil. Never looked convincing to me though. And they used to get in a bit of a lather when the leg tan didn't go on evenly, and ended up patchy, they would have to start all over again.
Submitted by Jim Wilberforce
JOHN WILKINSON
My Grandmother Esther lost her brother John during WW1.
Lance Corpoal John Wilkinson, 22694, 8th Bn., Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)
who died age 25 on 27 May 1918.
Son of the late William and Martha Wilkinson; husband of Margaret Wilkinson, of 74, Barnet St., Earle Rd., Liverpool.
Remembered with honour at the SOISSONS MEMORIAL
8th MG Company Joined 3rd Division, 22 January 1916. Moved into No 3 Bn, MGC 6 March 1918.
The Third Battle of the Aisne, 1918 27 MAY.
Submitted by his great nephew Tony Rodaway.
GEORGE JAMES WILLIAMS
This is a transcript of the letter written by my Great uncle George Williams. He posted the letter on the 12th of December 1916, I have the original letter and envelope !.
Private George Williams
12th Kings Liverpool regiment
Rolleston camp
Sheraton Salisbury
Wednesday
Dear Mother and father.
Just a few lines to let you know I am keeping well in heart but not in spirit, I have felt proper miserable these last few days, near everyone in the Battalion is completely fed up with it, in fact they are running home on their own, but they suffer when they come back. It would break a lions heart never mind a man.. I dont feel anyways homesick but it is the idea, the way they treat us !, and furthering us in places like this miles from no where !, no town where we can pass a few hours.
They have sent territorials out to the front before us, I think we are as good to go out as they are, and I think that the Pals are all put in big towns, if I had my way I would put them all in a glass case.I wish they would send us out to the front, it cant be any worse than you had - we are going all this for 1/- a week. It is a bit cowardice of me to send you a letter like this, but I cant help it, I dont suppose you can image what we are going through. Its a matter of come off parade about 4, and then sit in a room waiting for next morning to parade again.
I am glad S.A is doing well and so is her baby girl, it is a good job it is not another one of Kitcheners innocent victims, I suppose Maggie Roe is a bit jealous now. For goodness sake dont let John Henry join the army, I am going through it without two of us, I am just glad our Roby is not going through it, it is enough to make a mans life not worth living, plenty of fellows have turned to drink to pass the time away, but if it kills me I will never turn to drink.
I could have told you all this long ago, but I cant hold it back now, you may think I am a bit of a coward but I am not !, I cant describe my feelings to you so I will say Good night to you.
from your loving son
George
The S.A in the letter is his sister Sarah Ann Roe
Maggie Roe was his niece, John Henry is his brother who did join the Army and died of his wounds on the 22nd of October 1917 at home. Roby was too young to join up and lived a long happy life.
The family lived at 7 Bessemer Street, in the Dingle/Toxteth.
George died on the 21st of February 1917 in Flanders. He was private 18030 when he sent this letter, and had been promoted to Lance Corporal by the time of his death. He is buried at the A.I.F Burial ground, Flers in France.
I am pretty sure not many personnel accounts or letters exsist from this time, and I am proud to have the letter in my possession.
My Aunty has recently told me that my Grandparents and Great Grandparents did journey to France for his burial (I was totally unaware if this !) and that during his funeral at the graveside the vicar was hit by a sniper, she cant remember if he was just injured or died but what an amazing story.
Submitted by his Great Niece Dee Cole
Private George Williams
12th Kings Liverpool regiment
Rolleston camp
Sheraton Salisbury
Wednesday
Dear Mother and father.
Just a few lines to let you know I am keeping well in heart but not in spirit, I have felt proper miserable these last few days, near everyone in the Battalion is completely fed up with it, in fact they are running home on their own, but they suffer when they come back. It would break a lions heart never mind a man.. I dont feel anyways homesick but it is the idea, the way they treat us !, and furthering us in places like this miles from no where !, no town where we can pass a few hours.
They have sent territorials out to the front before us, I think we are as good to go out as they are, and I think that the Pals are all put in big towns, if I had my way I would put them all in a glass case.I wish they would send us out to the front, it cant be any worse than you had - we are going all this for 1/- a week. It is a bit cowardice of me to send you a letter like this, but I cant help it, I dont suppose you can image what we are going through. Its a matter of come off parade about 4, and then sit in a room waiting for next morning to parade again.
I am glad S.A is doing well and so is her baby girl, it is a good job it is not another one of Kitcheners innocent victims, I suppose Maggie Roe is a bit jealous now. For goodness sake dont let John Henry join the army, I am going through it without two of us, I am just glad our Roby is not going through it, it is enough to make a mans life not worth living, plenty of fellows have turned to drink to pass the time away, but if it kills me I will never turn to drink.
I could have told you all this long ago, but I cant hold it back now, you may think I am a bit of a coward but I am not !, I cant describe my feelings to you so I will say Good night to you.
from your loving son
George
The S.A in the letter is his sister Sarah Ann Roe
Maggie Roe was his niece, John Henry is his brother who did join the Army and died of his wounds on the 22nd of October 1917 at home. Roby was too young to join up and lived a long happy life.
The family lived at 7 Bessemer Street, in the Dingle/Toxteth.
George died on the 21st of February 1917 in Flanders. He was private 18030 when he sent this letter, and had been promoted to Lance Corporal by the time of his death. He is buried at the A.I.F Burial ground, Flers in France.
I am pretty sure not many personnel accounts or letters exsist from this time, and I am proud to have the letter in my possession.
My Aunty has recently told me that my Grandparents and Great Grandparents did journey to France for his burial (I was totally unaware if this !) and that during his funeral at the graveside the vicar was hit by a sniper, she cant remember if he was just injured or died but what an amazing story.
Submitted by his Great Niece Dee Cole
George's Grave AtA.I.F Burial ground, Flers, France
The Letter That George Sent Home. Many Thanks To Doreen For Allowing It To Be Shown Here.
JOHN HENRY WILLIAMS
My Great Uncle John Henry was the third son of George and Jane (nee Cobain) Williams,born in 1898 he went against his families wishes and enlisted in the Army.
He started Army life with the Liverpool regiment but was transfered to the Welsh regiment. He was wounded in 1917 and was transfered home where his parents collected him from Aldershot, dispite the best of care and constant nursing from his mother and sister (my Nan) Sarah Ann Roe he sadly died on the 22nd of October 1917, just a few months after the death of his elder brother George.
He was buried in Toxteth Park with full honours
Submitted by his Great Niece Dee Cole
He started Army life with the Liverpool regiment but was transfered to the Welsh regiment. He was wounded in 1917 and was transfered home where his parents collected him from Aldershot, dispite the best of care and constant nursing from his mother and sister (my Nan) Sarah Ann Roe he sadly died on the 22nd of October 1917, just a few months after the death of his elder brother George.
He was buried in Toxteth Park with full honours
Submitted by his Great Niece Dee Cole
STANLEY WILLIAMS
Stanley was a desert rat and served in a Anti Tank unit. He was fighting in Burma when he ran out of bullets. He was then chased by Japanese soldiers and while trying to escape he fell into a pit full of excrement. The soldiers tailing him could not stop laughing and that is the reason Stanley was not shot.
He was captured and spent time at Rangoon Jail, where he suffered badly. On returning home to the Dingle his back was heavily scarred, so much so that their was not on inch of flesh upon his back that was not a scar. He had almost gone crazy with his treatment there. Stanley passed away in 1993.
Submitted on behalf of Stanley William by Pablo
He was captured and spent time at Rangoon Jail, where he suffered badly. On returning home to the Dingle his back was heavily scarred, so much so that their was not on inch of flesh upon his back that was not a scar. He had almost gone crazy with his treatment there. Stanley passed away in 1993.
Submitted on behalf of Stanley William by Pablo
JOSEPH WILSON
My Uncle Joey Wilson in his WWII army attire looking very James Cagny-ish. He fought in the deserts of North Africa during the war. Joey sent this postcard home from Sorrento, Italy. where he served in the 8th army.
when he was in Alexandria, my dad was in a circle of shipmates when he felt a tap on his shoulder and an ‘alright Joe’. It was Joey Wilson, Small world eh?
Submitted by his Nephew Ged Fagan
when he was in Alexandria, my dad was in a circle of shipmates when he felt a tap on his shoulder and an ‘alright Joe’. It was Joey Wilson, Small world eh?
Submitted by his Nephew Ged Fagan